Two Nittany Lions taken in latest PFF first-round mock draft

It’s mock draft Monday, and that means several analysts create their own first-round mock drafts consisting of several prospects. Some may be reaches, while others may be “match-made-in-heaven” picks.

There are plenty of mock drafts out there that have notable Penn State players making their way into the first round. This week, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus has two Penn State players being selected in his latest first-round mock draft.

The first one is Jahan Dotson and, once again, Penn State’s top receiving prospect of the James Franklin era could be headed to the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers’ first pick could solely depend on whether or not Aaron Rodgers stays in Green Bay. If he leaves, it’s likely this team will go into a rebuild for the “Jordan Love era”.

It will also be tough for them to keep star receiver Davante Adams, whose decision could be contingent on Rodgers.

The Packers are already $44 million over the cap, so this will be a crucial offseason for them.

If Rodgers stays, that could likely change the direction of this pick. Dotson would be a strong pick for a team that is potentially losing Adams, Allen Lazard and Marques Valdez-Scantling in free agency.

If Dotson is the new primary weapon in Green Bay, that puts him in an interesting situation with a team that lacks depth at the receiver position.

The Love/Dotson connection would be an exciting one to watch. He brings several traits to the table that would help the Packers in their potential rebuild process.

The next pick stays in the NFC North, with the Detroit Lions selecting Jaquan Brisker just a few picks later with the 31st overall pick.

Brisker was not only one of Penn State’s biggest draft risers this season, but his talent has caught the attention from analysts across the nation.

Brisker has had the highest coverage grade as a safety since 2019. He is physical with terrific vision across the field.

The last Big Ten secondary player the Lions selected in the first round came in the 2020 draft when they took former Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah with the third overall pick, who hasn’t worked out well for them so far.

They also have struggled to find a true safety and a player that can become a focal point to their secondary.

It’s likely we could see two defensive players with the Lions’ first two picks, and both will be their crucial for them to nail as they continue to build from the ground up.

There are quite a few Penn State players that are worthy of hearing their name called as early as the first round.

Dotson would be a talented player for the Packers as they enter a crucial point in their franchise this offseason.

Brisker would also be the perfect player for the Lions to build around their secondary, as he brings physicality and speed to the table along with a high football IQ.

Both Dotson and Brisker are talented players that will also be notable players to watch during the Senior Bowl down in Mobile, Alabama on Saturday, February 5th. It is also worth noting that the Lions will be one of the teams scouting players during the big showcase, and there will be plenty of Penn State players to keep an eye on during that game.

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